Elmira, NY Asbestos Abatement Project Prompts Controversy from Area Labor Unions

Federal and state regulations require that asbestos abatement projects, including the Armory demolition project in Elmira, NY, may only be performed only by those who have been properly trained and certified to remove asbestos at renovation and demolition projects.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos disease caused by occupational exposure to the dangerous mineral, you can obtain more information about your legal rights to file an asbestos lawsuit.

The planned demolition of the former Amory site in Elmira, NY has been the subject of considerable controversy, including a February 2010 protest by representatives of several labor unions in the area.

The union members have been concerned that local workers had not been hired for the asbestos abatement that must be completed before the demoltion can move forward.

The abatement contractor who was awarded the project is located over 100 miles northwest of Elmira in Orchard Park, NY.  According to news reports, the contractor had allegedly agreed to hire local workers for the project, but instead hired workers from the Buffalo and Orchard Park areas for the job.

Regulations Governing Asbestos Abatement Contractors
In New York, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enforces federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws regulating the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) at renovation or demolition job sites.

These laws require all companies who perform asbestos abatement to be properly certified by the state to conduct the work. Asbestos contractors are also required to make sure that all employees or other individuals hired to perform asbestos removal have also been properly trained and certified to remove and dispose of ACM.

In New York, asbestos abatement contractors must maintain detailed records regarding the abatement project, including information regarding air sampling, asbestos abatement permits and workplace safety plans.

The contractors must also keep copies of all documentation issued by the DEP and the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) which certify that all supervisors and asbestos handlers have been properly certified by the state to remove ACM.

Environmental Health Risks From Improper Removal of ACM
Countless state, federal and international agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have classified asbestos as a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

If asbestos is disturbed during a renovation or demolition project, those who live or work in the area are at risk to inhale microscopic asbestos fibers. These tiny fibers have sharp, jagged edges which cause them to attach to lung tissue instead of being expelled by coughing or sneezing.

The asbestos remains in the lungs for several decades (known as the latency period), when the asbestos will have caused the lungs to scar. If significant scarring occurs, serious chronic pulmonary diseases such as asbestosis, emphysema or pleural plaques disease can develop. In more serious cases, the asbestos will trigger the lungs to begin to produce the abnormal cells that cause mesothelioma or lung cancer tumors to form.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, our lawyers may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.